We introduce new users in the USA to gCADPlus by building a simple design for a courtyard. New users are encouraged to start with the default template, use the distance command in the drawing editor (with its dark-coloured background), and measure the space available for a new design. We turn on the polar switch in the status line and show how a gCADPlus designer can place lines orthogonal (and at 45 degrees) to each other. Three lines are drawn with accurate lengths by typing the required distances and then joined using a command on an editing menu activated by clicking the right mouse button. This action forms a courtyard wall, and its width is set using the offset command. Once that is done, we start dressing up the developing design by importing one of the pre-drawn plant symbols in the gCADPlus library and viewing the result as it would appear on an Architectural C-size sheet. The take-home lesson is that most design and drafting work is done in model space (with its dark background), while layout space is used to print the design.